Camcorder buying guide

A device that records images in a manner that is similar to that of a digital camera. A series of images is captured by collecting light from a subject and focusing it on a photosensitive substance inside the device. In an old movie camera, that substance was film. With digital camcorders, it's a light-sensitive imaging sensor (or multiple sensors), which converts the light into electric signals. The camcorder then internally converts those signals into video data, which it stores in one of a variety of media formats--hard drive or memory card. Audio is captured and recorded simultaneously.

Unlike analog camcorders of the past, digital camcorders allow you to do a lot more with videos than simply play them back on your TV. You can edit and embellish them with music using your computer, then play your productions on your DVD or Blu-ray player or PC. You can also e-mail recordings or upload your video clips to sites such as YouTube. Many video-editing-software suites also allow you to combine your video with digital stills, graphics, and text.

More and more models with 3D capability are appearing, even in the pocket camcorder category. You'll begin to see some models with GPS receivers for adding geographical identification (known as geotagging) and built-in, or pico, projectors. What you won't see are the once-popular Flip camcorders, as computer-networking giant Cisco (which owned the brand) has exited the business.

Camcorder makers have not introduced any new analog models in several years and have concentrated on producing only digital models. These generally offer fine picture quality and decent sound, and most are quite compact. Many weigh about a pound, and the smallest are closer to half a pound.

Several recording formats are available, each with advantages and disadvantages. In the past, camcorders stored your video on tape minicassettes and DVDs. Today, internal hard drives, on-board flash-memory, or removable flash-memory cards like those you'd use in a digital camera, are the most common formats. Like MP3 players, many pocket models include on-board flash memory. More models now combine two storage options, such as a hard drive and memory card, for added flexibility.

Camcorders that capture high definition (HD), which offers the highest video quality, have become the norm. Companies still make SD models, but we suspect those will ultimately be phased. Pocket camcorders--which are compact, lightweight, and very easy to use--have also grown in popularity. Like full-sized camcorders, pocket models come in both SD and HD versions. The video quality of HD pocket camcorders has improved, but pocket models still don't have all the features that full-sized camcorders have.

Some full-sized models are also becoming smaller and lighter, especially those that store video onboard and on removable flash-memory cards. But to reduce the "footprint" of the camcorder, some models have eliminated features such as a viewfinder. If you'll be watching your video on an HDTV, it's worth considering an HD camcorder, but be prepared to pay hundreds more for one.

The ability to capture HD-quality video is probably within your reach. In fact, most models are priced between $600 and $900, although you'll still find some models that cost more than $1,000. Many models we've rated have very good overall quality and produce either excellent or very good picture and audio quality. But the most common weak spot was picture quality in low-light conditions. Most are also easy to use.

Most consumer HD models have either a 10x or 12x optical zoom, although some have more. At maximum zoom, most camcorders display some image vibration because of hand shake or other factors. To compensate for that, all include an image stabilizer, which can do an excellent job. But note that pocket camcorders that shoot HD-resolution video rarely have a stabilizer.

Most HD camcorders store video on either hard drives or flash memory. Flash-memory-card models tend to be lighter and more compact than other types, although few have the viewfinders found on larger models.

One additional difference you'll find with HD camcorders is that they will generally have an HDMI output, which stands for High-Definition Multimedia Interface. This interface is designed to be the best way to connect your camcorder to an HD television.

A major distinction between standard-definition and high-definition camcorders is the resolution they capture. HD models look just like conventional standard-definition models but use a higher-resolution image sensor and more-advanced recording technology, and they record in a widescreen format (or 16:9 aspect ratio). HD video contains much more detail than standard video, but you'll be able to see it only on an HDTV. If you hook up an HD model to your standard-def TV, you'll see video, but not the highest quality.

Some HD models can record video in 1080i, the same high resolution as much HDTV programming. Other models record in 720p, an alternative HD broadcast format. Note that HD recordings take up much more space than standard-def video, so you'll fit less video in a given amount of storage; 720p files are not quite as large as 1080i, though. With some formats used to record HD, such as AVCHD, you might need HD-capable hardware, such as a Blu-ray disc player, to play back recordings. Also, you'll find pocket camcorders that can capture HD-resolution video, some even in 1080, but will compromise the video quality in other ways, such as lower frame rates.

You can also connect directly to an HDTV. Some HD models give you the option of recording in standard definition, which enables you to store more video. That also provides for broader playback compatibility if you want to share recordings with others. You can also downconvert HD video either within the camera or after you've transferred it to a computer.

Another consideration is the recording medium a camcorder uses. Models that record on built-in hard drives and flash memory are becoming more common in standard-def and high-def versions.

Camcorders that record onto tiny, built-in hard drives are even easier to use. Because the drive is internal, it's protected. There's no recording media to buy or carry along. Like DVDs, hard drives are random access, but they're even faster. Many models have 30 to 240 gigabytes of capacity, providing many hours of recording at the highest-quality. Some models can use removable memory cards to provide even more storage. This type of camcorder attaches by FireWire or USB to a computer and appears as a mass-storage device. This means you can drag and drop files to transfer them. This format is very flexible, with an easy connection to a computer; no special computer drivers are necessary. Video and photos are already in computer-compatible file formats that transfer quickly, so no conversion is necessary. With this type of camcorder, you should be comfortable using a computer to transfer or archive your video.

With digital formats using Secure Digital (SD) or Memory Stick memory cards, the amount of standard-definition video you can record at the highest quality level can vary from 15 minutes to 1 hour on 256MB to 2GB cards. Even larger cards with greater capacity are available. (To get a precise estimate, check a camera's specifications.) As with an HD model, you must be comfortable with using a computer to transfer or archive your video. But there are some newer camcorders that include internal, nonremovable flash memory. Some come with memory card and internal flash memory.

Several manufacturers offer "hybrid" camcorders that combine different formats in one unit.

Inexpensive standard-definition and high-definition pocket camcorders either include internal, non-removable flash memory or store video on removable memory cards. These models are lightweight, compact, relatively inexpensive, and easy to use but have very few features.

In our tests, we found that these types of camcorders were convenient for sharing videos over the Internet. Pocket camcorders of HD video picture quality are beginning to approach the video quality of middling-performance full-sized HD models.

Pure Digital has been one of the most notable brands to produce pocket camcorders, introducing the Flip in 2006. The company later sold the business to computer-networking giant Cisco, which since discontinued the product as smart phones began incorporating video functionality (see the sidebar "Flips Flop," on this page). You might find pocket camcorders from brands such as Coby, Creative, DXG, Insignia, Kodak, Panasonic, RCA, Sony, and Toshiba.

This type of viewer is common on all camcorders. Some come in a wider aspect ratio (16:9), often called a wide-screen LCD, that is similar to the ratio found on many HDTVs. (You'll also find that some higher-priced camcorders include touch-screen LCDs.) LCDs are also useful for reviewing video that you've shot and easier to use than the eyepiece viewfinder for some shooting poses. Some LCD viewers are hard to use in sunlight, a drawback of models that have only a display and no eyepiece or touch-screen LCDs.

Screens vary from 2½ to 4 inches measured diagonally, with a larger screen offered as a step-up feature on higher-priced models. Because an LCD viewer uses batteries faster than an eyepiece viewfinder does, you don't have as much recording time when the LCD is in use.

This camcorder feature automatically reduces most of the shaking that occurs while you hold the camcorder as you record a scene. Most stabilizers are electronic; a few are optical. Either type can be effective; though mounting the camcorder on a tripod is the surest way to get steady images. If you're not using a tripod, try holding the camcorder with both hands and bracing both elbows against your chest.

This provides you with point-and-shoot simplicity. The camcorder automatically adjusts the color balance, shutter speed, focus, and aperture (also called the "iris" or "f-stop" with camcorders).

This camcorder feature adjusts for maximum sharpness; manual-focus override might be needed for problem situations, such as low light. (With some camcorders, you might have to tap buttons repeatedly to get the focus just right.) With many models, you can control exposure, shutter speed, and white balance.

This is typically a finger control--press one way to zoom in, the other to widen the view. The rate at which the zoom changes depends on how hard you press the switch.

Typical optical-zoom ratios range from 10:1 to 50:1--or are described in the specifications as having 10x optical zoom or 50x optical zoom. The zoom relies on optical lenses, just like a film camera (hence the term "optical zoom").

Many camcorders also include a digital zoom to extend the range to 400:1 or more, but at a lower picture quality than optical zoom gives. All camcorders have various recording modes that yield different levels of quality and capacity. The best quality may be called HQ or SP, depending on the recording medium. XP or LP gives you more capacity at a lower quality.

Some camcorders can capture 3D photos or 3D video, or both. In order to do this, the camcorder may capture two different images (or use software to create them), representing the different perspectives of the left and right eye. The differences between those two images create a sense of depth. Your brain combines the two images into one seamless 3D image when you wear special glasses, which are capable of presenting each eye with its own separate view, or when you view them on a special 3D LCD that uses applied "parallax barrier technology." This technology, in which a series of light-blocking slits is attached to the front of the LCD panel, has also begun appearing on smart phones..

Some models even include built-in projectors (also known as pico projectors). The feature, which first appeared on the Nikon Coolpix S1000pj digital still camera, is now incorporated into three high-def camcorder models from Sony: the HDR-PJ50V ($1000), HDR-PJ30V ($950), and HDR-PJ10 ($700). Each includes a tiny projector embedded on the back of the flip-out LCD, which Sony claims will be able to project a 60-inch diagonal image. Other nice features on these three models include built-in GPS receivers for geotagging content, and 3-inch touch-screen LCDs.

Although most camcorders now do not include this feature, some higher priced models still have an electronic viewfinder that allows you to compose a shot without needing to use your display. This can conserve battery power and is helpful in bright light situations that wash out the LCD.

A key player in the camcorder market. This camcorder brand consistently produces good to very good high-definition models, some that have recently topped our Ratings. Vixia camcorders are Canon's high-definition models, which use media cards and flash memory to record video.  Canon does not offer inexpensive pocket video cameras.

Creative has not introduced any new models in 2011.  

Offers a wide range of inexpensive high-definition and standard-definition pocket camcorders, some waterproof models, and a trendy Luxe collection in a variety of designs. 

JVC’s Everio line of high-definiton and standard-definition camcorders consistently produces good high-definition and standard-definition models that record to internal flash memory, media cards, or hard disk drives.  While JVC also offered a line of inexpensive Picsio pocket camcorders, it has announced that it will no longer offer pocket models in 2011.

Although Kodak has been a well-known name in digital cameras for many years, its camcorders are less popular.  The company offers a limited line of inexpensive high-definition pocket video cameras, including a recently introduced high-definition waterproof Playsport model. 

Offers a wide range of high-definition and standard-definition models that record to hard disk drives, media cards (including new SDXC cards) and flash memory.  Brand consistently produces good to very good models, some of which have recently topped our Ratings. Panasonic recently introduced a line of Pocket Video Cameras, and has often offered new technologies, such as models with face detection. Models tend to be very easy to use.

RCA was among the first brands to offer inexpensive pocket video cameras but has not introduced any new models in 2011.

This brand has increased its presence in the product category by introducing a range of new flash-memory and media-card-based high-definition, standard-definition, and pocket camcorder models. Its models with “active angle lens” make holding the camcorder easier and more convenient.

Sanyo has been acquired by Panasonic and it has not introduced new camcorders in 2011.

Leads the camcorder industry in market share and offers the largest model selection of standard- and high-definition models, some that have recently topped our Ratings. Sony has expanded its line of inexpensive Bloggie pocket camcorders and has introduced a 3D Bloggie. Consumer models are known as Handycams. It no longer offers tape-based camcorders and has recently added SD/SDHC media card compatibility to its traditional proprietary Memory Stick compatibility.

Previously available overseas only, Toshiba now offers an expanded line of Camileo standard camcorders and Camileo pocket camcorders for the U.S. market.  

Viewsonic's line of ViewFun compact pocket video camcorders includes models that offer 3D capability and models with a built-in pico projector.

  
Vivitar offers a range of inexpensive pocket camcorders, including standard-definition and high-definiton models, in various forms, including some waterproof models.

Zoom offers only one model in this product category.  Its compact pocket video camcorder combines HD video with integrated high-quality condenser stereo microphones in a unique form.  

An HDTV can make the most of the higher-resolution video quality from a high-def camcorder. But keep in mind that it will probably cost you several hundred dollars more than a comparable standard-def camcorder. If you want the best possible video and it's worth the money to you, this is the way to go.

The recording format you choose determines not only how much you'll be spending for memory media, but also how much recording time you'll get.

In the store, try different camcorders to make sure they fit your hand and are comfortable to use. Most camcorders are designed so that the most frequently used controls--the switch to zoom in and out, the record button, and the button for still photos--are readily at hand. Make sure that the controls are convenient and that you can change recording media and remove the battery without any trouble.

Most measure 2½ inches on the diagonal but some are larger, which can add $100 or more to the price. Some viewers suffer from too much glare, making them difficult to use outdoors in bright sun. Check the display in the store to make sure you're satisfied with the usability of any model you're considering. But take note: Most LCDs look fine indoors. But in full, midday sunlight, viewing performance will vary greatly from model to model.

Chances are, you won't always be shooting in bright light. You can shoot video in dim light, but don't expect miracles. In our tests using the default mode, most camcorders produced only Fair or Poor images in very low light. Many camcorders have settings that can improve performance but can be a challenge to use. Some do a very good job in dim light .